IMAGE: Kristie Pretti-Frontczak (left) and Sanna Harjusola-Webb, faculty members in Kent State University’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, seek applicants for the Early Intervention in Natural Environments Specialization Training through Distance Learning program. The program received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Kent State University’s Special Education program seeks applicants for its Early Intervention in Natural Environments Specialization Training through Distance Learning program to prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with infants and toddlers who have identified disabilities or delays and their families.

IMAGE: Kent State’s Early Intervention in Natural Environments Specialization Training through Distance Learning program will prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with infants and toddlers who have identified disabilities or delays and their families. Kent State’s Early Intervention in Natural Environments Specialization Training through Distance Learning program will prepare individuals at the graduate level to work with infants and toddlers who have identified disabilities or delays and their families.

The program, which received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, is designed for individuals who have existing bachelor’s or higher degrees in special education and related fields (for example, early childhood education, human development and family studies, and speech pathology), but all interested individuals are encouraged to apply. The program will financially support six students per year for the next five years for a total of 30 scholars.

The program is a one-year, full-time study designed to prepare early intervention practitioners to provide direct services to young children and their families, consult with other early intervention professionals and apply research-based practices in their profession. The training program includes significant opportunities for trainees to work in identified programs located within the geographic boundary of a high-need area, serving infants, toddlers and young children. Upon completion, students will be recommended for the Early Intervention Specialist certificate in the state of Ohio. The early intervention certificate training includes seven courses and three field experiences over the course of three semesters, and the graduate-level courses can be applied toward a master’s degree in special education.

Financial support will be provided for full-time students and will include:

Full tuition support for one calendar year (three semesters with a full-time course load)

A monthly stipend of $1,000, including summer months

An iPad

Individuals must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and individuals must meet Kent State graduate school admission requirements. A two-year service obligation (i.e., position in the field of early intervention) will be required for funded students after completion of the program.

The deadline for applicants is May 1. Contact Kent State Assistant Professor Sanna Harjusola-Webb at shwebb@kent.edu to apply or ask questions about the program.

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